The criminalization of birth control:
Since the beginning of time women have fought for their right to control their own fertility and reproduction. Efforts were often hindered by restrictive legislation, conservative ideology, and moral rigidity.
During the Industrial Revolution, medical science made significant advances in the field of birth control with the development of the condom, the diaphragm and the cervical cap. However, in 1892, efforts to establish family planning as a science of its own were thwarted when the Canadian Parliament implemented legislation which prohibited the dissemination of any information or devices relating to birth control. The mere discussion of birth control was judged as "obscene" and contributing to family breakdown.

This prohibitive legislation remained a part of the criminal code for nearly a century. During this period some doctors initiated underground birth control services but the information remained inaccessible for the majority of women. The law made birth control an issue of power marginalizing the reproductive and contraceptive needs of women on the basis of economics, race, social class and gender.

 
  De-criminalizing birth control:
Although the law legalizing family planning was implemented in 1969, public attitudes remained conservative.  Sexuality was not a topic publicly discussed and birth control was sometimes believed to cause promiscuity.  Due to these ideas, Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic was met with some resistance and hesitancy by the community at large.

Opinions have slowly evolved to become more accepting of the work done by Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic, but the need to educate and disseminate information regarding well-woman health care, contraception, unintended pregnancy and safer sex practices remain an integral part of who we are and what we do.

 
  Evolution of our Name
Shortly after the decriminalization of birth control in 1969, a group of concerned individuals met to talk about the need for an organized family planning clinic in the Halifax Metro area. To respond to this concern, the Family Planning Association of Nova Scotia was established in 1970. Its goals were to provide information, referrals, counseling and literature in a comfortable and accessible environment. The organization was officially incorporated in February 1971, and opened its doors as an information and referral service that same year. In 1972, the name of the organization was changed to Metro Area Family Planning Association. Clinic services were added in 1974. In 1977, the name changed to Planned Parenthood Association of Halifax, Dartmouth and Halifax County; in 1993 it became the Planned Parenthood Metro Clinic. Now, in 2006, the name has changed again to the Halifax Sexual Health Centre to better reflect the comprehensive range of services provided. The organization has continued to grow and develop programs in response to community need. Since its conception the organization has worked to promote healthy sexuality in the Halifax Regional Municipality.